New upload page is now online

I just installed a new system that is more user friendly and efficient for uploading large files for printing or editing. If it is too big to email, this system is the ticket. Upload up to five files at a time, for a maximum of 200Mb in a single upload. I get an automatic notification when you upload. Sweet.

I also have a new system in place for downloads that delivers the client a link, and provides a direct download from my server. No third parties are involved in either the upload or download process, and the only limitation is the speed of your internet connection.

On another note, the new canvas, Sunset Reserve, is continuing to get great reception from clients and from me. It looks like an unsolicited change in the status quo, and a big headache in the changeover, has resulted in a silver lining, now that everything is all sorted out.

Aloha,
Ron

Canvas changes

My mainstay canvas for over three years, Breathing Color Chromata White canvas has recently been changed, and unfortunately I can no longer recommend it, at least with my printer. The change prompted a resampling of similar canvas types by me, and I tested five different ones in search of a new bread and butter canvas with a moderate, artistic looking texture. After profiling, printing, coating and stretching multiple sample prints, I have a very strong new choice: Lexjet Sunset Reserve Matte Canvas. It has a pleasing texture, and has a very durable surface that will be most noticed with gallery wraps. The color gamut is excellent, and it is very white for having no optical brightening agents, which can sometimes burn out over time, making whites turn a bit warmer than initially. This change was a bit time consuming and stressful, to make sure that all due diligence was done on my part, because these are prints that are designed to last a lifetime, not be short term ephemera. I think ultimately, though, this canvas will prove to be a positive, welcome change for both artists and photographers. I'm still stocking Fredrix 777 Vivid Canvas for those that want an extremely smooth canvas, too. Whew!

Aloha,
Ron

New artist's site completed

I'm happy to report that I just finished the last touches of a new website for Shirley Pu Wills. The eCommerce part of the SHOP ONLINE page was a bit of a bear, in that there are so many different sizes and prices to enter, but I'm happy with the way that it turned out. I built custom buttons and a custom shopping cart for it to maintain an integrated look. I don't want to be a full time web designer, as I enjoy the variety in what I do with printing, photography and design right now, so I'm trying to be selective about the design work I take on. I have a few other projects around the corner, so right now I have a healthy mix of work.

Aloha,
Ron

It's about time

The saying that the cobbler's children have no shoes has been applicable to my own site, in that I've been busy designing websites for others, but neglected the Design page of my own site. Until now, that is. I just added a design overview page, as well as specific pages for Web Design, Graphic Design and Photo Retouching. I have examples of all three categories on the site now, so please check it out. I recently completed a couple of new sites for clients that have resulted in additional hits to my own site, and was essentially guilted into finally posting examples of my design work. It's all available by clicking on the DESIGN page in the main menu above.

Aloha,
Ron

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